Pt Chevalier started their 2017 campaign by winning both the Stormont Shield (champion of champions) and Konica Minolta Roope Rooster (challenge trophy) and went on to claim the minor premiership. Ultimately Zane Pocklington's side fell short against the Glenora Bears in the biggest game of the year, and this year there's a changing of the guard at Walker Park, with former skipper Dylan Moses gone and a host of new players on the scene. 

2017 finish: SAS Fox Memorial Premiership runners-up (1st in regular season).

Ins: Mike Ki (Capras, Australia) Matthew Tuitama (Junee, Australia), Chris Sio (New Zealand Warriors U20), Kane Telea (New Zealand Warriors U20) Daniel Palavi (New Zealand Warriors ISP), Koli Oneone (Otahuhu), Kitiona Pasene, Laupepa Pasene, Tama Pasene (Mt Albert)

Outs: Siua Otunuku (retired), Siliga Kepaoa (suspended), Tane Rapira (Runaway Bay) Javier Pitovao (Canterbury Bulldogs U20), Dylan Moses (Northcote), James Bates (Northcote), Daniel Liddicoat (Otahuhu), Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu)

The draw: The Pirates open their season with a grand final rematch against Glenora, with the Stormont Shield and Konica Minolta Roope Rooster up for grabs. Games against play-off teams are scattered evenly across the board, with highly-anticipated matches scheduled for Round 8, against traditional contenders Mt Albert, followed by Howick in Round 9. The Pirates’ opening match will be available to stream live online at www.aucklandleague.co.nz

(Photo: photosport.nz).